St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-04-11
THE SCHOOL OF MINES.
Discovery of a New Species of Fossil
"A Geological Survey.

"A Geological survey.
Special to the Globe.
RAPID CITY, Dak., April 10.-The Da-
kota School Of Mines, of Rapid City, is al
ready beginning to furnish It's own excuse
for being, although only in its third month
Of work. 1t has by a lucky hit and by the
zeal and energy of its dean. Prof. Carpen-
ter, lately attracted the attention of the
highest scientific authority in the country,
albeit in way not strictly in the line of its
special utility. 1t is well known that
among the geological attractions of this
part of Dakota is the most extensive and
rare accumulation of fossils on this contin-
ent-the Bad Lands of Dakota have long
been the treasure house of paleontologists.
A few days ago Prof. Carpenter learned
that an unusual fossil had been found by
ranchers. and with scientists enthusi-
asm, undertook cold, forty-fiye-mile drive
to see and secure it. He saw at a glance
its value as the skull OF new
species of Brontotherium-for so he con-
caived it to be-and after considerable
''dickering'' he secured the prize for $3.50
for the cabinet of the School Of Mines
already. by the way, one of the finest in the
country, internationally. Several private
collections have been given to it, including
that OF Prof. G. E. Bailey, late territorial
ge0lOgist of Wyoming, which he had been
twenty years collecting. Prof Carpenter
sent photographs of the fossil to Prof
Marsh, head Of the United States geolog'
ical survey, and other scientists, with the
request for an opinion Oh the problem of
its being new species. Several replies
confirmed this theory, but nothing was
heard from Prof. Marsh for long time
Some time last week a gentleman called at
the institute and requested to see the cab
met. He made some careless, disparaging
comments regarding the new fossil, con-
cluding with an offer to purchase the same
for small price. Prof. Carpenter assured
the stranger that if he supposed the value
of the specimen was not understood he w as
mistaken; that he could not buy it at any
price. The visitor then divnlged that he had
been sent to secure the brontotherium by
Prof Marsh for the cabinet at Yale college.
The matter ended by Prof. Carpenters Of
fering to- loan the skull to Prof Marsh, on
the condition that the important scientific
find should be credited to the Dakota School
of Mines in the United States geological
report, which goes to all the scientific au-
thoritieS and institutions of the world
Thus this infant institution is likely to
spring into notice, among scientific circles
at least
SURVEY OF THE BLACK HILLS.
The school is likely to achieve reputation
and recognition in more utilitarian way
soon. The territorial legislature at its late
session appropriated liberal sum for a
geological survey of the Black Hills, under
the direction of the school-tantamount to
appointing Prof. Carpenter territorial geolo-
gist. Prof. Carpenter informs your cor
respondent that he will begin this important
and too long neglected work with corps
of assistants as soon as the present term of
the school closes, about month hence.
The important intelligence is added
that the survey will be accompanied
by one or more geologists or naturalists de-
tailed for that purpose by the United
States geological survey, thus making this
in effect joint territorial and federal gov
ernment survey. The findings of this COM
bined survey will be printed and illustrated
in the style usual in government reports,
at the expense of our mutual uncle, thus
giving the resources of the Black Hills the
advertisement of correct description by
the highest authority in the country. The
survey will begin in the Bald mountain and
Ruby Basin district, in the northern hills,
in May. This is near the famous Home
steak mines. Mr.. Carpenter has already.
from exclusive examinations, formed very
high anticipationS of the disclosures of his
survey. III commercial sense. He thinks
the most Sanguine have no adequate con-
ception of the extent and value of the
precious deposits here. Some of the gen.
erai scientific data upon which he bases his